Later this week I'll post about my spring break and other ideas I've been cooking up, but for now, I want to dedicate an entire post to the strongest and most loving woman I've ever had the privilege of knowing: my Grandma Judy.
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| (Pardon my depressing expression...I probably didn't know this photo would end up online) |
In the midst of midterms and packing for spring break, I received the horrible news that my Grandma Judy was passing away. For years, she was battling a host of terrible health problems (lung and rectal cancer and COPD mainly) and we knew it was only a matter of time before the disease overtook her. I received the call during dinner and ran outside to tell her goodbye. It was the hardest phone call I've ever made. She passed away later that night- swept into the arms of her Saviour, free from her suffering forever.
No words I say could ever do her justice- she inspired me and encouraged me and taught me more than she ever knew. I want to share part of the letter I wrote her that night after she passed away, so that you can get a small peek into the incredible person she was.
Dear Grandma Judy,
Tonight you are with Jesus. No more pain, no more cancer, no more breathing tubes, only joy. I can't imagine what you're experiencing right now and honestly, I wish I could be there with you. You deserve rest. You deserve peace. You deserve the best and I'm so, so thankful your heart belonged to Jesus- even when your body failed you.
Thank you so much for being the most wonderful grandma, friend and example a girl could ask for. You were always my biggest fan and taught me more than you know. I'll always treasure our tea parties and our trips to Ogallala. Some of my most precious memories are with you- eating your amazing dinners (especially the apple pie), cooking crab-cheese wontons with you, road trips to the west coast, trying on your jewelry, staying the night at your house and reading together before bed. I remember when I saw you in your old nightgown and thought you looked "as beautiful as Cinderella". I remember when you told me the story of when you and grandpa met. I'll always remember you before the cancer, but I'll also never forget your heroic fight against it. You never lost your sense of humor even when facing pain that no one should ever have to face. Thank you for your love of music, you inspire me to better myself and pursue my love for it. I want to make you proud.
Though I will miss you terribly and there will always be a hole in my heart where you fit, I'm so glad you aren't in pain anymore and are whole and perfect. I love you so, so very much.
Always,
Olivia
<3 Olivia
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